Parents,
you can help your child avoid the risks of
becoming involved with alcohol and other drugs. Here is a start.

Key
Things You Can Do

1.Talk with your children about the dangers of
alcohol and drugs. Nearly
half the young people in a recent nationwide poll said they wished they could
discuss this topic more with their parents. You don't have to pretend you
know all the answers. In fact, working with your children to find answers
can build trust and confidence.

2.Help build your children's self-confidence
and self-respect.
Praise them when they do something well. This could be a simple job they
do around the house, such as setting the table, or receiving a good grade on a
school paper. Also, give them responsibilities. These could include
being in charge of keeping their room clean or budgeting their allowance from
week to week. Children who feel good about who they are have the inner
strength to resist negative peer pressure.

3.Know your children's friends and their
parents. You don't
have to pry, just show your natural interest. If you are troubled by the
choice of new friends, talk with your children about them. Find our what
these new friends seem to offer. What appeals to your children and why?

4.Find out about the extent of alcohol and
other drug use in the schools and in your community. Form a support group with other parents to
share information and ideas. Your PTA leader can help you to begin a
support group.

5.Make peer pressure work for you. Encourage your children to join with others
to form groups or teams that promote positive values and healthy activities.
These could include a variety of activities such as sports, arts and crafts
sessions, trips to museums, and hikes through the countryside.

6.Help your children learn to make decisions
as part of the family. Involve
your children in helping to plan a family gathering, an activity or a
vacation. Practice in making these kinds of decisions will give them more
authority and help them feel more in control of their lives.

7.Work will your children to counter media
images that glamorize the use of alcohol or other drugs. This includes records and music
videos as well as TV programs and commercials. Don't put down your
child's taste in music or TV; instead, find out what the appeal is and
encourage your child to really look at the messages. Are they good or
could they be harmful? Do they make drinking or using drugs look like
fun?

8.Encourage your children to take part in
healthy, enjoyable activities.
Support programs in the school and the community. Volunteer your time for
children's groups. Work with other parents to press community leaders to
create more programs and facilities for young people. Most importantly,
take part in activities or hobbies with your children.

9.Know the warning signs of a child at risk, such as a sudden and sharp decline in
school work; a lack of interest in favorite activities; trouble sleeping or
sleeping at unusual times; turning away from family and usual friends. If
the problem seems serious, seek help.

10..Spend time
with your children. Feelings
of affection and trust may be your children's strongest allies. Do things
with them such as playing catch, going to a science, museum, viewing a movie,
playing cards or games, or going for a walk or bike ride together. Give
them a hug. Let them know you love them.